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In situ observations of BC in the Arctic

Action 1.2: Harmonise measurements and procedures for stations observing black carbon in the Arctic

Methodological comparability between stations within and outside the Arctic is fundamental.

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AC UNECE Air Convention EU WMO

Sub-Bodies

AC AMAP UNECE Air Convention EMEP Steering Body UNECE Air Convention TFMM WMO GAW EU ACTRIS
Area of Action
In situ observations of black carbon in the Arctic
Action
Promote further harmonisation of measurement methods and QA/QC procedures applied at-, and subsequent data sharing from long-term stations observing black carbon in the Arctic and the lower latitudes through enhanced cooperation between EMEP TFMM, WMO GAW, the Aerosol, Clouds, Trace Gases Research Infrastructure and AMAP on harmonisation of black carbon measurement methods and promotion of data reporting to existing programmes
Type of intervention
Information and guidance
Time perspective
Long-term with preparatory work in short-term
Structural change
Incremental
Jurisdictional scope
International
Policy forum
AC: AMAP; UNECE Air Convention: EMEP, TFMM; WMO: GAW; EU
Evidence
N.A.

Establishing monitoring infrastructures requires significant resources, and there is a need for knowledge transfer and scientific collaboration to secure adequate observational data and interpretation of results. European scale infrastructure efforts like the Aerosol, Cloud, Trace gases Research Infrastructure would be highly relevant.

If AMAP enhances its role as coordinator of Arctic black carbon measurements, it may consider strengthening working relationships with EMEP Task Force on Measurements and Modelling (TFMM), WMO and the Aerosol, Clouds, Trace Gases Research Infrastructure in terms of quality and inter-comparability of black carbon observation data. Such cooperation is indeed explicitly stated in the current strategy documents of AMAP and EMEP and could ensure consistent operating and reporting recommendations. Furthermore, cross-programme cooperation could allow promotion and utilisation of the reporting and data structures already in place within the EMEP TFMM and the WMO – this would prevent a scenario where data have to be reported twice.